> The problem that I'm seeing is that "no one" cares... Because no one sees it, nor thinks to question it. Put another way: the cost of operations isn't factor

> The problem that I'm seeing is that "no one" cares... Because no one sees it, nor thinks to question it. Put another way: the cost of operations isn't factored into the sales price. The builders don't have exposure to how much the buyer will pay to heat the home, so there's no reason to do extra work to insulate or seal better. There are starting to be home efficiency standards that are being considered in the real estate markets (things like LEED certification for homes), but you're right, people are more likely to buy based on the look of the kitchen than the winter heating bill. I've been trying to think if there's a financialization play possible... something like monetizing the downstream efficiency savings to incentivize the upfront work. The solar PPA model has been the solar company's monthly bill becomes your new electricity bill, and (ideally) paying off the solar installation monthly over 20 years was still cheaper than paying for non-solar electricity during that time. I've been wondering if something similar can be done for home efficiency upgrades.